McCandless (FF 1084) - Naval Cruise Book

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986-87 MED cruise gave USS McCANDLESS new adventures and task- ings to prove her metal. The ship responded to all undertakings in the highly professional manor accustomed to the BIG MAC . It is to the Officers and crew, and to the depen- dents and loved ones who withstood the long separation period, that this book is ded- icated.

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COMMANDING OFFICER USS McCANDLESS (FF 1084) COMMANDER WILLIAM A. GAFFNEY UNITED STATES NAVY Commander Gaffney, a native of Winchester, Massachusetts, was graduated from the United States Naval Academy and commissioned an Ensign in June, 1967. He was promoted to the rank of Commander in July 1982. Commander Gaffney has served at sea in various assignments including duty aboard USS INGRAHAM (DD-694). USS HENDERSON (DD-785), and USS JOSEPH HEWES (FF-1078). Prior to duties as Executive Officer aboard JOSEPH HEWES, he served as Assistant Chief of Staff for Communications on the staff of Commander, Cruiser-Destroyer Group TWO. Other service has included assignment as a Naval Advisor to the South Vietnamese Navy, duty with the Defense Communications Agency, and as Aide and Flag Lieutenant to Commander. Naval Forces Caribbean. Commander Gaffney holds a Master of Science degree from the Naval Postgraduate School and graduated from the College of Naval Warfare at the Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island. Commander Gaffney ' s decorations include the Joint Service Commendation Medal, the Navy Commendation Medal, and the Navy Achievement Medal. He is married to the former Joan Carol Wheeler of Winchester, Massachusetts. They reside in Virginia Beach, Virginia with their three children, Jennifer, Deborah, and Christopher.